Will Fletcher, inspector of ancient monuments for Norfolk, Suffolk and Bedfordshire for Historic England, said: “We tried to operate as quickly as we could and provide some support to Gary because obviously he was in a very difficult position.”

Tim Pestell, the curator of Archaeology at Norwich Castle, said it was an unusual discovery.

“Because the site was so unique, it is nationally significant. Great Ryburgh will go down in the academic textbooks as an example of an early Christian community,” he said.

“The landowner got unlucky because it was so wonderful, it wasn’t expected. That’s why Historic England has put thousands of pounds into rescuing that site.”

It is hoped that some of the artefacts will eventually go on display at Norwich Castle along with one of the coffins, after it has been sent to York for conservation.